King James Version

What Does Exodus 15:1 Mean?

Exodus 15:1 in the King James Version says “Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he...” — study this verse from Exodus chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.”

Exodus 15:1 · KJV

Context

1

Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

2

The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

3

The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.

Read Exodus 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses and Israel's immediate response to deliverance is worship—'Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD.' Salvation provokes song. The content 'I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously' celebrates divine victory. The phrase 'triumphed gloriously' translates 'gaoh gaah' (גָּאֹה גָּאָה—exalted He is exalted), using Hebrew intensive form for emphasis. The specific victory: 'the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea' recounts the visible triumph.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This is Scripture's first recorded song and became a model for Hebrew poetry. The Song of Moses appears again in Deuteronomy 32 (different song) and Revelation 15:3 where martyrs sing 'the song of Moses.'

Reflection Questions

  1. How quickly does salvation produce worship in your life, or do you delay gratitude?
  2. What 'horse and rider' (source of enemy power) has God overthrown in your experience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
אָ֣ז1 of 20
H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

אָשִׁ֤ירָה2 of 20

“I will sing”

H7891

to sing

מֹשֶׁה֩3 of 20

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וּבְנֵ֨י4 of 20

“and the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל5 of 20

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶת6 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַשִּׁירָ֤ה7 of 20

“this song”

H7892

a song; abstractly, singing

הַזֹּאת֙8 of 20
H2063

this (often used adverb)

לַֽיהוָה֙9 of 20

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֵאמֹ֑ר10 of 20

“and spake”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֵאמֹ֑ר11 of 20

“and spake”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָשִׁ֤ירָה12 of 20

“I will sing”

H7891

to sing

לַֽיהוָה֙13 of 20

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּֽי14 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

גָּאָ֔ה15 of 20

“for he hath triumphed”

H1342

to mount up; hence, in general, to rise, (figuratively) be majestic

גָּאָ֔ה16 of 20

“for he hath triumphed”

H1342

to mount up; hence, in general, to rise, (figuratively) be majestic

ס֥וּס17 of 20

“the horse”

H5483

a horse (as leaping)

וְרֹֽכְב֖וֹ18 of 20

“and his rider”

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

רָמָ֥ה19 of 20

“hath he thrown”

H7411

to hurl; specifically, to shoot; figuratively, to delude or betray (as if causing to fall)

בַיָּֽם׃20 of 20

“into the sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Exodus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Exodus 15:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Exodus 15:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 15:3Exodus 15:21Psalms 106:12Isaiah 12:1-6Isaiah 51:10-11Psalms 107:21-22

Test Your Knowledge

Exodus 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterExodus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Exodus 15 with CommentaryAll Exodus ChaptersComplete Exodus QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes